Beware Of These “Trends” Concerning Misty Window

What Causes a Misty Window? If your windows in your home or apartment get clogged up it can cause a lot frustration. Fortunately, it is easy to solve and prevent when you know the cause of the issue. Many people suggest dehumidifiers as a method to remove moisture. However it does not address the root cause of the issue, which is seal failure. Moisture Buildup The most common cause of misty or foggy windows is condensation, especially in older homes that have double- or single-glazed window frames. These windows were designed to keep the heat in your home while preventing cold air from getting in but they can also lead to condensation and the build-up of moisture. If not properly checked, this could result in damage to the glass or glazed surface of your window, which could result in the need for a more expensive repair or replacement of the window. The buildup of moisture is usually caused by cold and warm air interacting and causing condensation to form on the window. This is more common in homes with high humidity levels However, it could also occur if the seal of your window is damaged or defective. Every day, you add 4 to 5 pints of water to the air every time you boil or cook your water. Showers, tumble dryers and watering plants in the house all add to the indoor moisture. Inhaling and breathing creates a little water vapour. The air inside your home is filled with water vapour and as it cools, it will liquefy any surface that it comes into contact with including your windows. If you have a triple- or double-pane window and you spot condensation between the panes, it is likely that the seal is damaged or broken. There will usually be an opening between the panes. It is designed to absorb any moisture entering the space. This spacer will normally be invisible, but you can spot it by shining a light on the window and looking for streaks or dark spots. If the spacer is not working, it is not unusual to discover black mould in this area, which is ugly and a health risk. It can be difficult for mould to remove and it may discolour plaster walls around the window. If left untreated, it can lead to irritations to the skin, respiratory problems, and asthma. Condensation Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes in contact with a cooler surface, such as windows. The change in temperature causes the air's water to change from a gas to a liquid. This is normal, however when you notice frequent condensation, it could indicate an issue with indoor humidity, ventilation levels or window quality. You can fix the issue by adjusting these elements. Moisture buildup is the main cause of foggy windows. If your windows are double or single glazing and a strong seal, then water from the inside is less likely to escape and cause condensation. However, if the windows are old or have seals that are damaged, or when you live in a humid climate it is more likely for moisture to escape through the cracks around the window. If the moisture isn't eliminated it can build up on the glass causing a layer of fog to form on the window. Fogged windows aren't just ugly, they can also lead to many issues in the home. The moisture can cause damp spots that become the perfect breeding ground for mould and can discolour surfaces like wallpaper or paint. It can also worsen health problems such as asthma, allergies and respiratory infections. It is important to take care of damp as soon as it appears, because if left untreated it could cause structural damage to your home. It can also encourage the development of fungal and bacterial infections. misty glaze can even lead to the destruction of wooden structures such as floors and roofs. You might have heard suggestions such as using defogging sprays or wiping windows with shaving cream but these are just temporary solutions. These are meant to make the moisture disappear instead of addressing the underlying cause of the condensation, which is a fault with the window seals. Heat Loss Windows are not only a source of light and a link to the outdoors, but they also act as insulation for our homes. As time passes, they may lose their insulation properties if the seals become damaged. This can lead to windows with misty appearance that are not just visually unattractive, but also contribute to a significant loss in energy. If the glass in your double-glazed windows is misted it means that the seals that seal the panes are not working and moisture has been allowed to get in. This could be due to a variety of factors like sunlight, water, varying temperatures, or even barometric pressure. As time passes, the seals will eventually fail which is why it is crucial to have your double glazed windows replaced when you see any indication of them becoming hazy. When the warm air in your home reaches the cold surface of glass, condensation forms which can result in fog or mist appearing on the windows. The reason for this is because the cold surface of the glass is below the dew point of surrounding air. The dewpoint is the point at which the air around you changes into water vapour. So, the water vapour from the warmer air doesn't have a place to go, and will fall onto the colder side of your double-glazed window where it will be trapped until it evaporates. There are a few ways to avoid these problems, such as using exhaust fans that are designed to let the moisture outside. This will help reduce the humidity in your house which is one of the primary reasons for misty windows. Also, removing plants from your windowsill and opening the windows as much as possible will also help balance humidity levels. If the problem persists, however, it may be beneficial to invest in a high quality dehumidifier which can help keep humidity levels at a minimum and avoid fog or mist on your windows. Additionally, it's worth investing in energy efficient double-glazed windows if you're planning to replace your current windows. According to the Energy Saving Trust, old single-glazed windows contribute around 25% of the heat lost in homes and upgrading your current windows to energy efficient PVC double-glazed windows could cut this by up to 75 percent. Glass Damage Glass that has been damaged isn't just an eye-sore but also a source of irritation and attract unwanted intrusions. It is essential to identify the root cause of these problems so you can make the necessary changes to prevent them from recurring. A common issue is the misting of windows, particularly during winter. Moisture buildup is primarily caused by inadequate double or single glazing, which can allow moisture to penetrate the frame and glass. This is caused by various factors, including high humidity in the indoors and temperature fluctuations. Good windows have insulated glass and frames that are designed to improve energy efficiency. They are usually double-paned, and come with the gas argon and seal to reduce heat loss. Over time, this can save you money on energy bills and make your home more comfortable. Older windows that have single panes could have a variety of issues that affect their efficiency. They may have to be replaced to lower energy costs and improve the comfort of your home. Many people who have windows that are foggy try to solve the issue by themselves. A common recommendation is to install a dehumidifier in the vicinity of the window to remove the excess moisture. This isn't necessarily a bad idea but it will not solve the underlying problem, which is that the window seals have failed. Vinegar and water are great ways to clean windows. This solution can be sprayed on the glass, then wiped with a microfibre fabric or squeegee. After the surface has dried, it can be buffed and polished to remove any streaks. If you have windows with damaged seals, it's crucial to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible to improve the insulation of your home and prevent costly repairs in the future. Contact the experts at Portage Glass & Mirror to perform a thorough examination of your windows and to recommend an action plan that will restore their appearance and function.